Mobile terminal flow identification method and apparatus

ABSTRACT

A method is provided for flow identification of a mobile terminal. The method includes obtaining flow data files of the mobile terminal at two or more points of time after the mobile terminal connects to a network using same network access means. The method also includes comparing, from the obtained flow data files, flow volumes in the flow data files having a same flow identifier to determine a flow identifier in the flow data file with changing flow volumes. Further, the method includes, based on the determined flow identifier in the flow data files with changing flow volumes and the network access means used by the mobile terminal to connect to the network, identifying network access means indicated by the flow identifier in the flow data files and obtaining flow identification results.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of PCT Patent ApplicationNo. PCT/CN2013/088327, filed on Dec. 2, 2013, which claims priority ofChinese Patent Application No. 201310152899.4, filed on Apr. 27, 2013,the entire contents of all of which are incorporated by referenceherein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to the mobile communicationtechnologies and, more particularly, to a method and system foridentifying mobile terminal data flow information.

BACKGROUND

With the intelligent operating system being widely used in mobileterminals, the number of applications that can be run on mobileterminals is increasing greatly. After a mobile terminal connects to thenetwork by various network access means, such as Wi-Fi or GPRS, themobile terminal can send data to the network or download data from thenetwork, generating data flows. In order to understand the interactionbetween the mobile terminal and the network, the mobile terminal ingeneral is provided with a flow monitoring function. By using thetraffic monitoring function, the flow data generated after the mobileterminal connects to the network via a variety of network access meanscan be monitored, and the monitored flow data can be stored in a flowdata file. The flow data file includes a flow identifier and a flowvolume. The flow identifier is for identifying the network access meansused by the mobile terminal to access the network, and the flow volumeis the amount of traffic or data flow generated by the mobile terminalafter the mobile terminal connects to the network using the networkaccess means identified by the traffic flow identifier.

For different types or models of mobile terminals, the flow identifiersused for identifying the network access means in the flow data file maybe different, or the same flow identifier in flow data files of thedifferent models of mobile terminals identifies different network accessmeans. For example, in a certain model of mobile terminals, the flowdata file uses flow identifier ‘Eth0’ to identify Wi-Fi network access,while in another type of mobile terminals, the traffic data file uses‘Ers’ to identify Wi-Fi network access. In some other models of mobileterminals, the flow data file uses identifier ‘Eth0’ to identify GPRSnetwork access. Thus, it is difficult to identify the flow data files indifferent types of mobile terminals. The identifying efficiency is low,and it is inconvenient to perform flow monitoring for various types ofmobile terminals.

The disclosed method and system are directed to solve one or moreproblems set forth above and other problems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One aspect of the present disclosure includes a method for flowidentification of a mobile terminal. The method includes obtaining flowdata files of the mobile terminal at two or more points of time afterthe mobile terminal connects to a network using same network accessmeans. The method also includes comparing, from the obtained flow datafiles, flow volumes in the flow data files having a same flow identifierto determine a flow identifier in the flow data file with changing flowvolumes. Further, the method includes, based on the determined flowidentifier in the flow data files with changing flow volumes and thenetwork access means used by the mobile terminal to connect to thenetwork, identifying network access means indicated by the flowidentifier in the flow data files and obtaining flow identificationresults.

Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a mobile terminal flowidentification apparatus. The flow identification apparatus includes afile obtaining unit, a flow volume comparing unit, and a flowidentification unit. The file obtaining unit is configured to obtainflow data files of a mobile terminal at two or more points of time afterthe mobile terminal connects to a network using same network accessmeans. The flow volume comparing unit is configured to compare flowvolumes in the obtained flow data files having a same flow identifier todetermine a flow identifier in the flow data file with changing flowvolumes. Further, the flow identification unit is configured to, basedon the determined flow identifier in the flow data files with changingflow volumes and the network access means used by the mobile terminal toconnect to the network, identify network access means indicated by theflow identifier in the flow data files, and to obtain flowidentification results.

Other aspects of the present disclosure can be understood by thoseskilled in the art in light of the description, the claims, and thedrawings of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary flow identification process of a mobileterminal consistent with the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrates another exemplary flow identification process of amobile terminal consistent with the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 3 illustrates another exemplary flow identification process of amobile terminal consistent with the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 4 illustrates another exemplary flow identification process of amobile terminal consistent with the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 5 illustrates another exemplary flow identification process of amobile terminal consistent with the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an exemplary flow identification apparatusconsistent with the disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary operating environment incorporatingcertain disclosed embodiments; and

FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary computer systemconsistent with the disclosed embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of theinvention, which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

As provided by the disclosed embodiments, after a mobile terminal usesthe same network access means to connect to the network, at two or morepoints of time, the flow data files of the mobile terminal are obtainedaccordingly. The flow volumes with the same flow identifier in theobtained flow data files are compared, and the flow identifier withchanging flow volume in the flow data files is determined. Based on theflow identifier with changing flow volume in the flow data files as wellas the network access means used by the mobile terminal to connect tothe network, the network access means corresponding to the various flowidentifiers in the flow data files can be determined. Thus, the networkaccess means indicated by the various flow identifiers in the flow datafiles can be determined, and it can also be determined what types ofnetwork access means used by the mobile terminals to connect to thenetwork and to generate the data flow at the flow volume correspondingto the flow identifiers in the flow data file.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary operating environment 700 incorporatingcertain disclosed embodiments. As shown in FIG. 7, environment 700 mayinclude a server 702, a terminal 704, a terminal 706, and network 708.The network 708 may include any appropriate type of communicationnetwork for providing network connections to the terminals 704 and 706and the server 702. For example, network 708 may include the Wi-Finetwork, cellular network, or other types of computer networks ortelecommunication networks, either wired or wireless.

A server, as used herein, may refer to one or more server computersconfigured to provide certain server functionalities to provide certainserver services. A server may also include one or more processors toexecute computer programs in parallel. Although only one server isshown, any number of servers can be included. The server 702 may beoperated in a cloud or non-cloud computing environment.

Terminal 704 or terminal 706 may include any appropriate type of mobilecomputing devices, such as mobile phones, smart phones, tablets,notebook computers, or any type of computing platform.

Terminal 704/706 and/or server 702 may be implemented on any appropriatecomputing platform. FIG. 8 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplarycomputer system 800 capable of implementing terminal 704 and/or server702.

As shown in FIG. 8, computer system 800 may include a processor 802, astorage medium 804, a monitor 806, a communication module 808, adatabase 810, and peripherals 812. Certain devices may be omitted andother devices may be included.

Processor 802 may include any appropriate processor or processors.Further, processor 802 can include multiple cores for multi-thread orparallel processing. Storage medium 804 may include memory modules, suchas Read-only memory (ROM), Random Access Memory (RAM), flash memorymodules, and erasable and rewritable memory, and mass storages, such asCD-ROM, U-disk, and hard disk, etc. Storage medium 804 may storecomputer programs for implementing various processes, when executed byprocessor 802.

Further, peripherals 812 may include I/O devices such as keyboard andmouse, and communication module 808 may include network devices forestablishing connections through the communication network. Database 810may include one or more databases for storing certain data and forperforming certain operations on the stored data, such as databasesearching.

In operation, terminal 704/706 and/or server 702 may provide terminaltraffic flow monitoring functionalities to a user of the terminal. FIG.1 illustrates an exemplary flow identification process of a mobileterminal consistent with the disclosed embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 1, the mobile terminal flow identification process mayinclude the following steps.

Step S101: at two or more points of time, obtaining flow data files ofthe mobile terminal after the mobile terminal connects to the networkusing the same network access means.

The network access means used by the mobile terminal to access thenetwork may include, but not limited to, a Wi-Fi network access or aGPRS (General Packet Radio Service), network access, a 3G wirelessnetwork access, or a 4G LTE network access, etc.

The flow data file of the mobile terminal may refer to a file forrecording the data flow generated by the mobile terminal after themobile terminal connects to the network via various network accessmeans. A separate flow data file may be created at one point of time, orthe flow data file may include data for multiple points of time. Theflow data file may include flow identifiers for identifying the networkaccess means used by the mobile terminal to access the network, and flowvolumes for indicating the data flow generated by the mobile terminalafter connecting to the network using the network access meansidentified by the flow identifiers.

For example, when the mobile terminal connects to the network throughWi-Fi network access means and generates data flow, the flow data fileincludes a flow identifier identifying the Wi-Fi network access meansand a flow volume indicating the data flow generated by the mobileterminal through the Wi-Fi network access. When the mobile terminalconnects to the network through GPRS network access means and generatesdata flow, the flow data file includes a flow identifier identifying theGPRS network access means and a flow volume indicating the data flowgenerated by the mobile terminal through the GPRS network access.Further, when the mobile terminal connects to the network throughanother type of network access means and generates traffic flow, theflow data file includes a flow identifier identifying another type ofnetwork access means and a flow volume indicating the data flowgenerated by the mobile terminal through the other type of networkaccess.

In certain embodiments, the flow volume includes a transmission flowvolume and a receiving flow volume. The transmission flow volume refersto the data flow generated by the mobile terminal transmitting data tothe network, and the receiving flow volume refers to the data flowgenerated by the mobile terminal receiving data from the network.

For example, Table 1 below illustrates an exemplary flow data file.

TABLE 1 Transmission Receiving Flow identifier flow volume flow volumeEth0 333245 1559 rmnet1 13303 574

As shown in Table 1, the flow data file includes two flow identifiers,Eth0 and rmnet1, respectively. After the mobile terminal connects to thenetwork using the network access means identified by the flow identifierEth0, the flow volume received from the network is 333245, and the flowvolume transmitted to the network is 1559. The unit of the volume numbermay be bits/Kbits/Mbits, bytes/Kbytes/Mbytes, or other units, etc.Similarly, after the mobile terminal connects to the network using thenetwork access means identified by the flow identifier rmnet1, the flowvolume received from the network is 13303, and the flow volumetransmitted to the network is 574.

The flow data file of the mobile terminal is created by flow dataobtained at two or more points of time. For example, when the mobileterminal uses a network access means to connect to a network and alsomaintains the network connection for a certain time period. During thistime period, at least two points of time may be determined, randomly orby user configuration, and the flow data of the mobile terminal at thesepoints of time are obtained.

Alternatively, after the mobile terminal uses the network access meansto connect to the network, the flow data of the mobile terminal isobtained periodically, until a preset number of flow data files arecreated. The period for obtaining the flow data may also be configuredor be a default value.

For example, when the mobile terminal uses the Wi-Fi network accessmeans to access the network and maintains the network connection from2:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Nov. 10, 2013, at least two points of time during2:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Nov. 10, 2013, is determined. Assuming the pointsof time determined are 2:05 AM, 2:06 AM, and 2:07 AM, when the systemtime reaches 2:05 AM on Nov. 10, 2013, the flow data of the mobileterminal is obtained; when the system time reaches 2:06 AM on Nov. 10,2013, the flow data of the mobile terminal is again obtained; and whenthe system time reaches 2:07 AM on Nov. 10, 2013, the flow data of themobile terminal is again obtained. Thus, a total of three (3) flow datafiles are created.

Alternatively, after the mobile terminal uses the Wi-Fi network accessmeans to connect to the network, the flow data of the mobile terminal isobtained for every preset time period (e.g., one minute), until a presetnumber of flow data files (e.g., 3) are created.

Tables 2-4 show the exemplary flow data files obtained at three pointsof time after the mobile terminal uses the same network access means toconnect to the network.

TABLE 2 Transmission Receiving Flow identifier flow volume flow volumeEth0 333245 1559 rmnet1 13303 574

TABLE 3 Transmission Receiving Flow identifier flow volume flow volumeEth0 333666 1559 rmnet1 13303 574

TABLE 4 Transmission Receiving Flow identifier flow volume flow volumeEth0 333777 1559 rmnet1 13303 574

As shown in Tables 2-4, the receiving flow volume increases over thethree points of time with the Wi-Fi network access means, whiletransmission volume remains the same. Also, flow volumes for the othernetwork access means does not change.

The flow data file of the mobile terminal may be read or obtained by anyappropriate method. For example, the flow data file of the mobileterminal may be obtained from storage path for storing the flow datafile on the mobile terminal.

In certain embodiments, the operating system of the mobile terminal maymonitor the data flow of the mobile terminal when the mobile terminalconnects to the network through various network access means, and mayrecord the monitored traffic flow in a flow data file with a specifiedstorage path.

For example, when a mobile terminal uses the Android operating system,the Android operating system monitors the flow of the mobile terminalwhen the mobile terminal connects to the network through various networkaccess means, and records the monitored traffic flow in the flow datafile of /proc/net/dev. Thus, the flow data file can be obtained bysimply reading the /proc/net/dev file.

Step S102: from the various obtained flow data files, comparing the flowvolumes having the same flow identifier to determine those flowidentifiers in the flow data file with changing flow volumes.

For example, if the obtained flow data files are shown in Tables 2-4,flow volumes of the flow identifiers Eth0 and rmnet1. For the flowidentifier Eth0, the total flow volume (i.e., the sum of the receivingflow volume and the transmission flow volume) corresponding to the flowidentifier Eth0 may be compared among the flow data files.

Specifically, in Table 2, the total flow volume corresponding to theflow identifier Eth0 is sum of the receiving flow volume and thetransmission flow volume 333245+1559=334804; in Table 3, the total flowvolume corresponding to the flow identifier Eth0 is sum of the receivingflow volume and the transmission flow volume 333666+1559=335225; and, inTable 4, the total flow volume corresponding to the flow identifier Eth0is sum of the receiving flow volume and the transmission flow volume333777+1559=335336. Thus, after comparing the total flow volumescorresponding to the flow identifier Eth0, it can be determined that theflow volume of the flow identifier Eth0 is changing. On the other hand,with respect to the flow identifier rmnet1 in Tables 2-4, the total flowvolumes corresponding to the flow identifier rmnet1 do not change.

Alternatively, the receiving flow volume and the transmission flowvolume corresponding to a flow identifier may be compared separately. Ifat least one of the receiving flow volume and the transmission flowvolume corresponding to the flow identifier changes, it can bedetermined that the flow volume corresponding to the flow identifierchanges.

In the above example shown in Tables 2-4, the receiving flow volumescorresponding to the flow identifier Eth0 may be compared. For example,in Table 2, the receiving flow volume of the flow identifier Eth0 is333245; in Table 3, the receiving flow volume of the identifier Eth0 is333666; and, in Table 4, the receiving flow volume of the identifierEth0 is 333777. Thus, it can be determined that the receiving flowvolumes of the flow identifier Eth0 have changed.

Further, the transmission flow volumes of the flow identifier Eth0 shownin Tables 2-4 are also compared. For example, in Table 2, thetransmission flow volume of the flow identifier Eth0 is 1559; in Table3, the transmission flow volume of the flow identifier Eth0 is 1559;and, in Table 4, the transmission flow volume of the flow identifierEth0 is 1559. Thus, it can be determined that the transmission flowvolumes of the flow identifier Eth0 have not changed. However, becausethe receiving flow volumes changed, it can be determined that the flowvolume of the flow identifier Eth0 changed.

Step S103: based on the flow identifiers in the flow data filesassociated with changing flow volumes, and also based on the networkaccess means used by the mobile terminal to connect to the network, thenetwork access means indicated by the various flow identifiers in theflow data files can be identified, and the flow identification resultscan be obtained.

In certain embodiments, when the mobile terminal obtains the flow datafiles, the network access means used by the mobile terminal can beobtained at the same time. The follows may be performed to identify thenetwork access means indicated by the various flow identifiers in theflow data files and to obtain the flow identification results.

The network access means identified by the flow identifier in the flowdata files having flow volume changes is set as the network access meansused by the mobile terminal. For example, in the above example shown inTables 2-4, it can be determined that the flow identifier in the flowdata files with flow volume changes is the flow identifier Eth0.

If the flow data shown in Tables 2-4 is obtained at 3 points of timeafter the mobile terminal connects to the network using the Wi-Finetwork access means, it can be determined that the volume changereflected in the flow data files is the flow volume change generatedafter the mobile terminal connects to the network using the Wi-Finetwork access network means. Thus, the network access means identifiedby the flow identifier Eth0 in the flow data files is identified as theWi-Fi network access means.

If the flow data shown in Tables 2-4 is obtained at 3 points of timeafter the mobile terminal connects to the network using the GPRS networkaccess means, it can be determined that the volume change reflected inthe flow data files is the flow volume change generated after the mobileterminal connects to the network using the GPRS network access networkmeans. Thus, the network access means identified by the flow identifierEth0 in the flow data files is identified as the GPRS network accessmeans.

For illustrative purposes, Table 5 shows the flow identification resultsusing the flow identification process described above.

As shown in Table 5 below, the flow identification results indicate thatthe network access means identified by the flow identifier Eth0 in theflow data files is the Wi-Fi network access, and the flow identificationresults indicate that the network access means identified by the flowidentifier rmnet1 in the flow data files is the GPRS network access.

TABLE 5 Eth0 Wi-Fi network access means rmnet1 GPRS network access means

Therefore, according to the disclosed embodiments, after a mobileterminal uses the same network access means to connect to the network,at two or more points of time, the flow data files of the mobileterminal are obtained accordingly. The flow volumes with the same flowidentifier in the obtained flow data files are compared, and the flowidentifier with changing flow volume in the flow data files isdetermined. Based on the flow identifier with changing flow volume inthe flow data files as well as the network access means used by themobile terminal to connect to the network, the network access meanscorresponding to the various flow identifiers in the flow data files canbe determined. Thus, no matter how the various flow identifiers in theflow data files are configured, the network access means indicated bythe various flow identifiers in the flow data files can be determined,and the data flow generated under the various network access means canalso be determined, improving the traffic flow monitoring on the mobileterminal.

For example, after the mobile terminal connects to the network using theWi-Fi network access, the flow data files of the mobile terminal arecreated on two or more points in time. If data flow is generated afterthe mobile terminal connects to the network, the flow volumecorresponding to the flow identifier in the flow data files indicatingthe Wi-Fi network access is bound to change. Thus, the network accessmeans indicated by the flow identifier with volume changes is determinedas the Wi-Fi network access means, i.e., the data flow with volumechange is the data flow generated by the mobile terminal connecting tothe network using the Wi-Fi network access means.

FIG. 2 shows another exemplary flow identification process consistentwith the disclosed embodiments. As shown in FIG. 2, the flowidentification process may include the following steps.

Step S201: after a mobile terminal uses a same network access means toconnect to the network, at two or more points of time, obtaining theflow data files of the mobile terminal and the network access means usedby the mobile terminal.

Step S202, determining whether the network access means used by themobile terminal to connect to the network each time a flow data file isobtained (i.e., each point of time) is the same. If the network accessmeans at each point of time is the same, continuing the process fromStep 203. On the other hand, if the network access means at each pointof time is not the same, returning to Step S201.

In one embodiment, by determining whether the same network access meansis used by the mobile terminal to connect to the network each time whena flow data file is created, the subsequent flow identification processsteps are performed only when it is determined that the same networkaccess means is used. Thus, it can be ensured that all the flow datafiles obtained are the flow data files created when the mobile terminaluses the same network access means to connect to the network, and theaccuracy of the flow identification can be improved.

In another embodiment, when determining whether the same network accessmeans is used, it is determined whether a network switch event happenswhen two consecutive flow data files are generated. If no network switchevent happens, the flow identification process goes to Step 203. On theother hand, if a network switch event happens, the flow identificationprocess returns to Step 201. Thus, it can be ensured that all the flowdata files obtained at two or more points of time are the flow datafiles created when the mobile terminal uses the same network accessmeans to connect to the network.

Step S203: comparing the flow volumes having the same flow identifierfrom the various obtained flow data files to determine those flowidentifiers in the flow data file with changing flow volumes.

Step S204: based on the flow identifiers in the flow data filesassociated with changing flow volumes and based on the network accessmeans used by the mobile terminal to connect to the network, identifyingthe network access means indicated by the various flow identifiers inthe flow data files.

FIG. 3 shows another exemplary flow identification process consistentwith the disclosed embodiments. As shown in FIG. 3, the flowidentification process may include the following steps.

Step S301: after a mobile terminal uses a same network access means toconnect to the network, at two or more points of time, the mobileterminal obtains the flow data files stored locally on the mobileterminal.

Step S302: comparing the flow volumes having the same flow identifierfrom the various obtained flow data files to determine those flowidentifiers in the flow data file with changing flow volumes.

In certain embodiments, each time the mobile terminal obtains a flowdata file, the mobile terminal also obtains the network access meansused by the mobile terminal. Further, the mobile terminal determineswhether the network access means used by the mobile terminal to connectto the network each time a flow data file is obtained (i.e., each pointof time) is the same.

If the network access means at each point of time is the same, the flowvolumes having the same flow identifier from the various obtained flowdata files are compared to determine those flow identifiers in the flowdata file with changing flow volumes. On the other hand, if the networkaccess means at each point of time is not the same, the mobile terminalre-obtain flow data files.

Step S303: based on the flow identifiers in the flow data filesassociated with changing flow volumes and the network access means usedby the mobile terminal to connect to the network, the mobile terminalidentifies the network access means indicated by the various flowidentifiers in the flow data files and obtains the flow identificationresults.

In certain other embodiments, the mobile terminal may send terminalinformation stored in its ROM (e.g., the terminal model, etc.) and theflow identification results to a server, such that the server can sendthe flow identification results to other mobile terminals having thesame model.

FIG. 4 shows another exemplary flow identification process consistentwith the disclosed embodiments. As shown in FIG. 4, the flowidentification process may include the following steps.

Step S401: after a mobile terminal uses a same network access means toconnect to the network, at two or more points of time, the mobileterminal obtains the flow data files stored locally on the mobileterminal, and send the obtained flow data files to a server.

For example, each time the mobile terminal to obtain a flow data file,the mobile terminal uploads the flow data file to the serverimmediately. Or the mobile terminal may obtain a certain number of flowdata files, and upload all the flow data files to the server.

Alternatively, after a mobile terminal uses a same network access meansto connect to the network, the mobile terminal may obtain a flow datafile stored locally on the mobile terminal for every preset time period,and send the obtained flow data files to the server.

In certain embodiments, each time the mobile terminal obtains a flowdata file, the mobile terminal also obtains the network access meansused by the mobile terminal, and determines whether the network accessmeans used by the mobile terminal to connect to the network each time aflow data file is obtained (i.e., each point of time) is the same.

If the network access means at each point of time is the same, themobile terminal sends the obtained flow data files to the server. On theother hand, if the network access means at each point of time is not thesame, the mobile terminal re-obtain flow data files.

Step S402: the server compares the flow volumes having the same flowidentifier from the various flow data files uploaded by the mobileterminal to determine those flow identifiers in the flow data file withchanging flow volumes.

Step S403: based on the flow identifiers in the flow data filesassociated with changing flow volumes and the network access means usedby the mobile terminal to connect to the network, the server identifiesthe network access means indicated by the various flow identifiers inthe flow data files and obtains the flow identification results.

Specifically, after receiving the various flow data files uploaded fromthe mobile terminal, the server may obtain the network access means inthe various flow data files. Based on the flow identifiers in the flowdata files associated with changing flow volumes and the network accessmeans used by the mobile terminal to connect to the network, the serveridentifies the network access means indicated by the various flowidentifiers in the flow data files.

Additionally or optionally, when the mobile terminal uploads the flowdata file to the server, the mobile terminal may also send terminalinformation stored in its ROM (e.g., the terminal model, etc.,also-called ROM information) to the server. The server may associate theROM information with the flow identification results and store them in aflow identifier database. The flow identifier database may refer to adatabase for storing the relationship between the ROM information of themobile terminal and the flow identification results. Table 6 illustratesan example.

TABLE 6 ROM 1 Eth0 Wi-Fi network access means rmnet1 GPRS network accessmeans

As shown in Table 6, the ROM information of the mobile terminal is ROM1, and the flow identification results corresponding to ROM 1 indicatethat the network access means identified by the flow identifier Eth0 inthe flow data files is the Wi-Fi network access, and the flowidentification results indicate that the network access means identifiedby the flow identifier rmnet1 in the flow data files is the GPRS networkaccess.

Additionally and/or optionally, before Step 402, the server may obtainthe ROM information of the mobile terminal uploading the flow datafiles, and may match the obtained ROM information with the storedrelationships between the ROM information and the flow identificationresults in the flow identifier database. If there is any match, thenetwork access means indicated by the flow identifiers in the flow datafiles can be identified directly based on the flow identifier database.If there is no match, Step 402 is then performed.

Thus, by using the flow identifier database to store the relationshipsbetween the ROM information of mobile terminals and the flowidentification results, after receiving ROM information and flow datafiles from a mobile terminal, the flow identifiers in the flow datafiles uploaded by the mobile terminal can be identified based on theflow identifier database, significantly simplifying the flowidentification process on the server.

Further, the server may send the flow identification results or therelationships between the ROM information of mobile terminals and theflow identification results stored in the flow identifier database tothe mobile terminal, such that the mobile terminal can obtain the flowidentification results from the server.

FIG. 5 shows another exemplary flow identification process consistentwith the disclosed embodiments. As shown in FIG. 5, Steps S501, S502,and S503 are similar to Steps S101, S102, and S103 shown in FIG. 1, thedescriptions of which are omitted.

Step S504: the mobile terminal displays flow change information based onthe flow identification results and the flow data files. The flow changeinformation may include the network access means indicated by the flowidentifiers and the data flow generated when the mobile terminalconnects to the network using the network access means.

The flow change information may be displayed using a floating window.Further, to avoid the floating window from interfering with the user ofthe mobile terminal, the floating window may be set to translucent.Further, the floating window may respond to instructions to move thefloating window, such that the user can move the floating window to auser-specified position to reduce the interference with the user's usingof the mobile terminal.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary flow identification apparatus consistentwith the disclosed embodiments. The flow identification apparatus may beused on the mobile terminal. For example, the flow identificationapparatus may be software program units running on the mobile terminal,hardware units, or a combination of software units and hardware units.The flow identification apparatus may be a plug-in component integratedinto the mobile terminal or an application running on the mobileterminal, etc.

As shown in FIG. 6, the flow identification apparatus may include a fileobtaining unit 1, which is configured to, at two or more points of time,obtain flow data files of the mobile terminal after the mobile terminalconnects to the network using the same network access means.

The network access means used by the mobile terminal to access thenetwork may include, but not limited to, a Wi-Fi network access or aGPRS (General Packet Radio Service), network access, a 3G wirelessnetwork access, or a 4G LTE network access, etc.

The flow data file of the mobile terminal may refer to a file forrecording the data flow generated by the mobile terminal after themobile terminal connects to the network via various network accessmeans. A separate flow data file may be created at one point of time, orthe flow data file may include data for multiple points of time. Theflow data file may include flow identifiers for identifying the networkaccess means used by the mobile terminal to access the network, and flowvolumes for indicating the data flow generated by the mobile terminalafter connecting to the network using the network access meansidentified by the flow identifiers. The flow volume includes atransmission flow volume and a receiving flow volume.

Further, the flow identification apparatus may also include a flowvolume comparing unit 2. The flow volume comparing unit 2 is configuredto compare the flow volumes having the same flow identifier from thevarious obtained flow data files to determine those flow identifiers inthe flow data file with changing flow volumes.

The flow volume comparing unit 2 may compare the total flow volumes(i.e., the sum of the receiving flow volume and the transmission flowvolume) corresponding to the flow identifiers in the flow data files todetermine those flow identifiers in the flow data file with changingflow volumes.

Alternatively, the flow volume comparing unit 2 may separately comparethe receiving flow volumes and the transmission flow volumescorresponding to flow identifiers corresponding to the flow identifiersin the flow data files. If at least one of the receiving flow volume andthe transmission flow volume corresponding to a flow identifier changes,it can be determined that the flow volume corresponding to the flowidentifier changes.

Further, the flow identification apparatus may also include a flowidentification unit 3. The flow identification unit 3 is configured to,based on the flow identifiers in the flow data files associated withchanging flow volumes and the network access means used by the mobileterminal to connect to the network, identify the network access meansindicated by the various flow identifiers in the flow data files and toobtain the flow identification results. The flow identification unit 3may identify the network access means corresponding to the flowidentifier in the flow data files having flow volume changes as thenetwork access means used by the mobile terminal.

Further, the flow identification apparatus may also include a networkaccess means determining unit 4. The network access means determiningunit 4 is configured to determine whether the network access means usedby the mobile terminal to connect to the network each time a flow datafile is obtained (i.e., each point of time) is the same. If the networkaccess means at each point of time is the same, the network access meansdetermining unit 4 triggers flow volume comparing unit 3. On the otherhand, if the network access means at each point of time is not the same,the network access means determining unit 4 triggers the file obtainingunit 1.

In certain embodiments, the file obtaining unit 1, the flow volumecomparing unit 2, and the flow identification unit 3 are disposed in themobile terminal.

In certain other embodiment, the file obtaining unit 1 is disposed inthe mobile terminal and uploads the obtained flow data files to aserver. The flow volume comparing unit 2 and the flow identificationunit 3 are disposed in the server.

Further, the flow identification apparatus may also include a flowdisplay unit 5 disposed in the mobile terminal. The flow display unit 5is configured to display flow change information based on the flowidentification results and the flow data files. The flow changeinformation may include the network access means indicated by the flowidentifiers and the data flow generated when the mobile terminalconnects to the network using the network access means.

The flow change information may be displayed using a floating window.Further, to avoid the floating window from interfering with the user ofthe mobile terminal, the floating window may be set to translucent.Further, the floating window may respond to instructions to move thefloating window, such that the user can move the floating window to auser-specified position to reduce the interference with the user's usingof the mobile terminal.

It should be noted that the above units are used for illustrativepurposes, and the functions of the units may be realized in one or moresuch units or additional units. Further, those skilled in the art shouldunderstand that all or part of the steps in the above method may beexecuted by relevant hardware instructed by a program, and the programmay be stored in a computer-readable storage medium such as a read onlymemory, a magnetic disk, a Compact Disc (CD), and so on.

The embodiments disclosed herein are exemplary only and not limiting thescope of this disclosure. Without departing from the spirit and scope ofthis invention, other modifications, equivalents, or improvements to thedisclosed embodiments are obvious to those skilled in the art and areintended to be encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY AND ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS

Without limiting the scope of any claim and/or the specification,examples of industrial applicability and certain advantageous effects ofthe disclosed embodiments are listed for illustrative purposes. Variousalternations, modifications, or equivalents to the technical solutionsof the disclosed embodiments can be obvious to those skilled in the artand can be included in this disclosure.

By using the disclosed methods and systems, various flow monitoringbased applications may be implemented. For example, after a mobileterminal uses the same network access means to connect to the network,at two or more points of time, the flow data files of the mobileterminal are obtained accordingly. The flow volumes with the same flowidentifier in the obtained flow data files are compared, and the flowidentifier with changing flow volume in the flow data files isdetermined. Based on the flow identifier with changing flow volume inthe flow data files as well as the network access means used by themobile terminal to connect to the network, the network access meanscorresponding to the various flow identifiers in the flow data files canbe determined.

Thus, no matter how the various flow identifiers in the flow data filesare configured, the network access means indicated by the various flowidentifiers in the flow data files can be determined, and the data flowgenerated under the various network access means can also be determined,improving the traffic flow monitoring on the mobile terminal. Further,the mobile terminal can also upload the flow data files to a server, andthe server can identify the flow identifiers in the flow data files.After obtaining the flow identification results, the mobile terminal maydisplay flow change information to the user of the mobile terminal usinga floating window, reducing the interference with the user's using ofthe mobile terminal.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for flow identification of a mobileterminal, comprising: obtaining flow data files of the mobile terminalat two or more points of time after the mobile terminal connects to anetwork using a same type of network access means, wherein the networkaccess means including a Wifi network router or a wireless base station;from the obtained flow data files, comparing flow volumes in the flowdata files having a same flow identifier to determine a flow identifierin the flow data file with changing flow volumes; and based on thedetermined flow identifier in the flow data files with changing flowvolumes and the type of network access means used by the mobile terminalto connect to the network, identifying a type of network access meansindicated by the flow identifier in the flow data files, and obtainingflow identification results; wherein after obtaining flow data files ofthe mobile terminal at two or more points of time, the method furthercomprises: determining whether types of network access means used by themobile terminal to connect to the network at each time a flow data fileis obtained is the same; when the types of network access means at eachtime a flow data file is obtained is the same, proceeding to compareflow volumes in the flow data files having a same flow identifier todetermine a flow identifier in the flow data file with changing flowvolumes; and when the types of network access means at each time a flowdata file is obtained is not the same, repeating the obtaining flow datafiles of the mobile terminal at two or more points of time; wherein: theobtaining flow data files of the mobile terminal at two or more pointsof time further comprises: obtaining, by the mobile terminal, locallystored flow data files at two or more points of time after the mobileterminal connects to the network using the same type of network accessmeans; and uploading, by the mobile terminal, the locally stored flowdata files to a server, and the comparing flow volumes in the flow datafiles, identifying the type of network access means indicated by theflow identifier in the flow data files, and obtaining flowidentification results further comprises: comparing, by the server, flowvolumes in the uploaded flow data files having a same flow identifier todetermine a flow identifier in the flow data file with changing flowvolumes; and based on the determined flow identifier in the flow datafiles with changing flow volumes and the type of network access meansused by the mobile terminal to connect to the network, identifying, bythe server, the type of network access means indicated by the flowidentifier in the flow data files and obtaining, by the server, flowidentification results.
 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein theidentifying the type of network access means indicated by the flowidentifier in the flow data files further comprises: identifying thetype of network access means corresponding to the flow identifier in theflow data files having flow volume changes as the type of network accessmeans used by the mobile terminal.
 3. The method according to claim 1,further comprising: obtaining, by the mobile terminal, ROM informationof the mobile terminal; uploading, by the mobile terminal, the ROMinformation to the server at the same time when uploading the flow datafiles; obtaining, by the server, the uploaded ROM information of themobile terminal; matching, by the server, the obtained ROM informationwith information stored in a flow identifier database; when there is amatch, identifying, by the server, the type of network access meansindicated by the flow identifier in the flow data files directly basedon the flow identifier database; and when there is no match, comparing,by the server, flow volumes in the uploaded flow data files having asame flow identifier to determine a flow identifier in the flow datafile with changing flow volumes, wherein the flow identifier databasestores relationships between ROM information and flow identificationresults.
 4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:displaying, by the mobile terminal, flow change information based onflow identification results and the flow data files using a floatingwindow.
 5. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium, storingone or more programs for execution by one or more processors of a mobileterminal, the one or more programs comprising instructions for:obtaining flow data files of the mobile terminal at two or more pointsof time after the mobile terminal connects to a network using a sametype of network access means, wherein the network access means includinga Wifi network router or a wireless base station; from the obtained flowdata files, comparing flow volumes in the flow data files having a sameflow identifier to determine a flow identifier in the flow data filewith changing flow volumes; and based on the determined flow identifierin the flow data files with changing flow volumes and the type ofnetwork access means used by the mobile terminal to connect to thenetwork, identifying a type of network access means indicated by theflow identifier in the flow data files, and obtaining flowidentification results; wherein after obtaining flow data files of themobile terminal at two or more points of time, the one or more programsfurther comprising instructions for: determining whether types ofnetwork access means used by the mobile terminal to connect to thenetwork at each time a flow data file is obtained is the same; when thetypes of network access means at each time a flow data file is obtainedis the same, proceeding to compare flow volumes in the flow data fileshaving a same flow identifier to determine a flow identifier in the flowdata file with changing flow volumes; and when the types of networkaccess means at each time a flow data file is obtained is not the same,repeating the obtaining flow data files of the mobile terminal at two ormore points of time; wherein: the obtaining flow data files of themobile terminal at two or more points of time further comprises:obtaining, by the mobile terminal, locally stored flow data files at twoor more points of time after the mobile terminal connects to the networkusing the same type of network access means; and the comparing flowvolumes in the flow data files, identifying the type of network accessmeans indicated by the flow identifier in the flow data files, andobtaining flow identification results further comprises: comparing, bythe mobile terminal, flow volumes in the locally stored flow data fileshaving a same flow identifier to determine a flow identifier in the flowdata file with changing flow volumes; and based on the determined flowidentifier in the flow data files with changing flow volumes and thetype of network access means used by the mobile terminal to connect tothe network, identifying, by the mobile terminal, the type of networkaccess means indicated by the flow identifier in the flow data files andobtaining, by the mobile terminal, flow identification results.
 6. Thenon-transitory computer readable storage medium according to claim 5,wherein the identifying the type of network access means indicated bythe flow identifier in the flow data files further comprises:identifying the type of network access means corresponding to the flowidentifier in the flow data files having flow volume changes as the typeof network access means used by the mobile terminal.